A man in his 40s is in hospital after being stabbed in the stomach and arm.

Officers were called to Mason Street at 7.13pm yesterday (July 26) to reports a man in his 40s had been approached by three men on Walker Street, close to Pizza Hut, and one of them had stabbed him to the stomach and arm.

He was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not described as life-threatening.

The suspects, who have all been described as Asian men, are believed to have left in the direction of Audley. Police do not have any further descriptions at this time.

Yesterday evening, the Lower Audley Street area near Pizza Hut was closed by police while they conducted their investigations. 

Police are treating it as an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider public.

No arrests have been made at this time. Enquiries are very much ongoing.

DI John McNamara, of East CID, said: “This incident could have easily resulted in the victim losing his life and we are working to identify those responsible.

“We are keeping an open mind regarding the motive for the attack.

“We realise this incident will have caused a degree of concern in the community and reassurance patrols have been stepped up in the area.

“I would ask any witnesses to come forward as soon as possible. Similarly, I would ask people to check their CCTV, dashcam or Ring doorbell footage to see if they have captured anybody acting suspiciously in the area at that time or anything which could assist our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to email forcecontrolroom@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 1366 of July 26, 2021.